KILIAN HENNESSY ON THE
ETERNAL ALLURE OF OUD
CHAUFFEUR-DRIVEN STYLE:
LUXURY LIMOUSINES FOR
WORK AND PLAY
STUNNING COASTAL
ESCAPES ACROSS AFRICA
DESIGN COLLABORATIONS
WITH MOZAMBIQUE'S
COLOURED GEMS
THE AMAZING TRUE STORY
OF BREMONT WATCHES

42
SUPERYACHTS
Stunning yachts, just in
time for the Monaco
Yacht Show

48
CHAUFFEURED
STYLE
Magnificent motors
for passengers at
work or play

56
26

28

ALL AT SEA
Precious jewels inspired
by the ocean

TEMI OTEDOLA
Introducing
our new style
columnist

E

COASTAL
DELIGHTS
The best escapes along
African shores

CONTENTS
12

62

INTERVIEW
Giles English, Bremont

LUXURY ESCAPES
Globe-trotting luxury

22

64

MOZAMBIQUE MAGIC
Coloured gemstones

CITIZENSHIP VIA
INVESTMENT
Expert advice

30

70

FRAGRANCE
The mysteries of oud

CONNOISSEUR
Wine investment

32

74

STYLE
Deck shoes and silk scarves

ART
St Moritz Art Masters

40

78

TRENDING TECH
Superb speakers

GOLF
Playing around in Spain

54

83

MOTORING
Classic cars in South Africa

PROPERTY
Prestigious addresses
ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016

S02 ELA 4 2016 Editors Letter_Layout 1 06/09/2016 14:28 Page 7

Th e

d iffe re n c e

is

t o

b e

s ha r p er

The difference.

t ha n

a nyo ne

els e.

S02 ELA 4 2016 Editors Letter_Layout 1 07/09/2016 10:08 Page 8

8
EDITOR’S LETTER

WELCOME

T

he Monaco Yacht Show is here again and, as ever, it will be
a stunning display of the most luxurious craft for the most
discerning of buyers. As well as the opportunity to step aboard
dream yachts, such as the magnificently restored Coral Ocean (pg.
42), the show is well known for the accompanying – and lively –
social scene. We are delighted that Elite Living Africa will have
a presence at this prestigious international event.
This issue also sees the introduction of our new style columnist, Temi Otedola
(pg. 28). Temi has a highly successful fashion blog and she is a true citizen of the
world, travelling to diverse locations to explore style, art and culture. In her first
column, she shines a light on the exciting fashion designers emerging from Nigeria.

On page 30, we ponder the mysteries of oud with By Kilian CEO Kilian Hennessy
and world-renowned fragrance expert Chandler Burr sharing their thoughts and
knowledge with us.

International Account Manager
Roman Zincenko

Our destination feature is also proudly African (pg. 56). We take a trip around the
continent’s diverse and beautiful coastline with a guide to some of the most
luxurious ways to experience blissful beaches and magnificent ocean views.
Elsewhere in the magazine, there is practical advice on citizenship through
investment (pg. 64) and making the most of collectible fine wines (pg. 70). Enjoy!

Editorial:
gemma.taylor@elitelivingafrica.com
Subscriptions:
circulation@alaincharles.com
Sales:
stephen.thomas@alaincharles.com
Printed by Buxton Press
Alain Charles Publishing Ltd. has
taken all reasonable care to ensure that
the information contained in this
publication is accurate on the date of
publication and cannot accept any
responsibility for unsolicited
submissions and photographs.
While every care is taken, prices and
details are subject to change and Alain
Charles Publishing Ltd. takes no
responsibility for omissions or errors.
We reserve the right to publish and
edit any contributions.
All rights reserved.

E

VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 3 2016

US$10 NGN2,000 ZAR130 KES1030 EGP79 GHS42 GBP6.80

HOW THIS

WATCH BROKE

RECORDS

ULTIMATE DESTINATION GUIDE:
THE BEST OF THE INDIAN OCEAN
THE RISE AND RISE OF ZAMBIAN EMERALDS
TAKING LUXURY OFFROAD
JAGUAR AND BENTLEY LEAD THE CHARGE
RAISING A GLASS:
PRESTIGIOUS DARK SPIRITS FOR
TRUE CONNOISSEURS

Utopia in Atlanta
Ghanaian-born fashion designer Mimi Plange joins furniture designer Roche Bobois in a showcase of stunning
fashion and home accessory design in Atlanta, Georgia. The event is a benefit for Horizons Atlanta, which provides
education programmes for children. Mimi’s designs are inspired by luxe sportswear and dark romance, while Roche
Bobois has collaborated with Jean Paul Gautier and Missoni. www.horizonsatlanta.org

Monaco Yacht Show

28 September-1 October

The glamorous people of the world will make plenty of excuses to descend on
Monaco at the end of September as the azure waters fill with even more
luxurious yachts than usual. Lūrssen Yachts, creators of the Kismet, which is
the cover star of this issue of Elite Living Africa, will be among the many
exhibitors on hand to show off the latest in high life on the high seas. And for
those who seek to party after hours, clubs such as Twiga (page 60) will
be doing a roaring trade. www.monacoyachtshow.com

Aspire’s inaugural Johannesburg auction will take place
on 1 October at The Park on 7, Hyde Park. Aspire’s
focus is on the top-end market of international and
African art. Historical, modern and contemporary art
will all go under the hammer in Johannesburg. The
next South African auction held by Aspire will be in
Cape Town in the first quarter of 2017.
www.aspireart.net

27 November
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has fast
gained a reputation as one of the best
and most social grands prix on the F1
calendar. As well as the attraction of
the drivers taking on Yas Marina
Circuit, there are opportunities to
watch the race from yachts and the
concerts every night on race weekend
attract big name artists. This year, The
Chemical Brothers and Rihanna
feature. (Photo: gordontour/Flickr)
www.yasmarinacircuit.com
ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016

31 October

Aspire Art Auction

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12
HIGH FLYER

ADVENTURES
IN TIME AND MOTION
Giles English, one of the founders of Bremont watches, talks
about starting the company with his brother and collaborations.
WORDS BY GEORGIA LEWIS

iles English and his brother Nick founded
a watch company named in honour of Antoine
Bremont, an aviation pioneer who offered
hospitality to Giles and Nick after they performed an
emergency landing over France in a 1930s plane.
Antoine was a gifted engineer and the brothers were
amazed to discover his house was full of half-finished
clocks and engine parts. Giles tells the story.

G

How was Bremont was founded?
It all came about through my father who was an
amazing man, he was a PhD engineer from Cambridge
but also very practical with his hands. We grew up with
him in the workshop where he built planes and even
built a boat that we went to live on as kids. One of his
passions was watches and clocks. When we were kids
he would buy us old broken clocks and we would

ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016

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13
HIGH FLYER

spend hours trying to fix them. This is where our passion
came from. I went off to university to study engineering and
was also involved in the family business of restoring historic
aircraft. Life changed for us in 1995 when my father was in
a plane crash with my brother. My father died and my
brother, Nick, broke over 30 bones and was in intensive care
for many months. When he recovered, Nick and I agreed life
is too short and wanted to do something we both loved
doing, so that’s exactly what we did. We decided to make
watches and so Bremont was founded in 2002 and we
launched our first watches in 2007 after spending five
years in development.

How did Antoine Bremont feel about the company
being named in his honour?
Sadly, he died a few years after we launched. However, he
knew we called the company after his name but just thought
we were some crazy Englishmen!

What inspires you and your brother when you are
creating new watches?
Everything around us! That's why we work with historical
aircraft, America’s Cup or with partners like Jaguar. They are
all so different but give us a lot of design inspiration.
Aviation, Adventure and all things mechanical play a huge
part in our designs.

How did the partnership with Jaguar come about?
We started building clocks for them and their concept cars,
and then one day we were asked to build a watch for each of
the owners of the six Lightweight E-Types. We all loved the
watches so much that we decided to go into production with
them. Smiths, the last British watch company, built the
original dials for the E-Type cars and we love that connection.

And how did the partnership with Martin-Baker, the
ejection seat manufacturer, come about?
They were wanting to build a watch to present to their
ejectees but insisted it went through live ejection testing. We
thought it would be easy, but it took us two-and-a-half years to
come up with a solution and we produced an amazing watch.
The MB is probably the watch we are most well known for.

What was it like working with Ben Saunders to create
the Terra Nova Chronometer for polar conditions?
We have known Ben for many years and loved the fact that
polar explorers cannot use digital watches on their trips
because of the cold killing batteries. Also, Ben needed to use
his watch as a navigational aid. The TerraNova was built and
did the job fantastically using very similar technology that
Scott would have done it with 20 years earlier.

What new releases did Bremont reveal at this
year’s Baselworld?
The key focus for us was the ladies collection and our
America’s Cup range of regatta countdown timers. They are
some of our finest watches that we have produced. ❖
FACING PAGE Giles (right) and his brother Nick at their workshop in Henley, England.
THIS PAGE The America’s Cup watch (top) and the Jaguar collaboration (bottom)

ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016

S04 ELA 4 2016 Buy it now_Layout 1 06/09/2016 12:03 Page 14

S04 ELA 4 2016 Buy it now_Layout 1 06/09/2016 12:03 Page 15

UNDER THE HIGH PATRONAGE OF HSH PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO

Hou se of
Fine Yac hting
PORT HERCULES, MONACO

28 SEPTEMBER
1 OCTOBER
2016

OFFICIAL SPONSOR

10:58:06

S04 ELA 4 2016 Buy it now_Layout 1 06/09/2016 12:03 Page 16

16
INTERNATIONAL INSIDER

BUY IT NOW
These luxurious, enchanting
products from around the world are
designed to dazzle.
BY SEJAL BHAT

LAPIAZ FREESTAND
$14,436, Maison Valentina,, www.maisonvalentina.net
The french word is the name given to the typical karst
formations produced by surface dissolution of limestone or
dolomite rocks. It can also be caused by freezing and
thawing in cold climates. This is how Lapiaz washbasin
emerged. Imagine a stone freezed and freshly cracked to
show the entire world a rich, golden interior. The polished
brass details and mirrored sides attribute this luxury design
artwork an artic yet comfy and warm beauty. A real
statement piece for the most luxurious bathrooms.

BARON HOME SAFE
$76,693, Boca do Lobo, www.bocadolobo.com
Baron home safe is an exceptional piece of
haute craftsmanship perfect for those with
an appetite for extreme luxury. Safe-box
with a wooden structure, lined with
polished brass. Stainless steel and brass
gears cover the outside. Its opening system
works with an automatic engine that is
activated with a remote. The interior
fetaures eight watchwinders, four drawers
and two exhibition stages which are
upholstered in black velvet.

ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016

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17
INTERNATIONAL INSIDER

BRILLIANCE SCONCE
$1,614,Koket, www.bykoket.com
Tantalising tones and exquisite patterns in the agate
stones are cast onto gold rays of metal giving this
sconce show stopping qualities. Our hand selected
agate stones come in a choice of colors that will show
off the structure of the sconce. The slices are thin
enough to let light shine through the agate.

STORM 100
$3,948, Jimmy Choo, www.jimmychoo.com
A beautiful creation and a couture piece to keep forever,
the Storm 100 is a definite showstopper. Developed on
a T-bar, this pointy-toed pump features uppers and heels
encrusted in hundreds of Swarovski crystals of varying
shapes and sizes. Leather-lined, and with a base upper of
black suede, they are finished with a delicate buckled ankle
strap for ease of fit and support. The heel height measures
a rather vertiginous 100mm.

SPELLBOUND CABINET
$17,801, Koket, www.bykoket.com
There is a sense of reveal-and-conceal as Koket takes a beautiful chest form in high gloss black lacquer and adorns it in
metal aged brass organic lace, revealing a mesmerising hint of what lies beneath. The interior is composed of four
drawers embellished with organic work hardware in aged brass, finish to match exterior.

ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016

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18
WATCHES

PERPETUAL MOTION
These perpetual calendar watches embrace the
latest innovations in horology as well as style
designed to last a lifetime.
BY VANI VENUGOPAL

Bovet 1822 Virtuoso VII Retrograde Perpetual Calendar
$92,000, www.bovet.com
The Amadeo Fleurier Virtuoso VII Retrograde Perpetual Calendar is a reverse-fit watch with
multiple functions and unlimited complications. The Virtuoso VII provides the day, date,
month, year and leap year cycle, as well as reversed hand-fitting, patented coaxial seconds and
the power reserve indications. The AMADEO convertible case system allows the watch to be
transformed into a reversible wristwatch, a table clock or a pocket watch or a pendant watch for
ladies without the use of any tools. Like the collectionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other models, the VIRTUOSO VII
presents two distinct faces on its emblematic case. The first face displays the hours, minutes,
seconds and power reserve, as well as all the indications relative to the perpetual calendar.
The watch is available in red or white gold with a black or white lacquered dial. The BOVET
artisans can also realise unique watches upon request.
ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016

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19
WATCHES

Vacheron Overseas Ultrathin Perpetual Calendar
$93,597, Vacheron,
www.ejewels.co.za
The Overseas Ultra-thin Perpetual Calendar
displays its technical complexity with the
collection’s characteristically understated air of
distinction. This timepiece bearing the Hallmark
of Geneva certification and available exclusively
in Vachereron Constantin boutiques houses the
emblematic Vacheron Constantin Calibre 1120
QP, an ultra-thin mechanical self-winding
movement equipped with a perpetual calendar
complete with moon phases. This function calls
for impressive feats of miniaturisation in order
to adjust to calendar irregularities while
requiring no adjustment until the year 2100, as
well as to accommodate its 276 components
within a space barely 4.05 mm thick.

Audemars Piguet Royal
Oak Perpetual Calendar
Reference 26574
$95,700, www.audemarspiguet.com
A powerful combination of modern aesthetics
and prestigious traditional complication, the
Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is the latest
chapter of an incredible journey which began
140 years ago. Originally designed in 1981, this
watch remains the most timeless watch with
this complication. Day, date, month,
astronomical moon, with the week of the year
displayed on the dial’s outer chapter ring and
the essential leap year indication hold pride of
place on the ‘Grande Tapisserie’ decorated dial.
The watch The Reference 26574.1220 comes
in three different versions, stainless steel,
yellow gold and rose gold with either a navy
blue or silvered ‘Grande Tapisserie’ dial.

ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016

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20
WATCHES

A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon
$333,000, www.alange-soehne.com
The latest masterpiece from Saxony pairs three complications with five supplementary functions. This unique
timepiece by A. Lange & Söhne is not only technically impressive, but also stands out with a superbly organised
face despite the density of information it displays. The black solid-silver dial of the new model contrasts
beautifully against the 41.5-mm platinum case as well as the hands and hour markers in rhodiumed gold. All
indications of the perpetual calendar – including the outsize date as well as the day-of-week, month and leap-year
displays in subsidiary dials – switch instantaneously and thus provide unambiguous readings at all times.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual
$18,860, www.ejewels.co.za
From the very first glance, the black of the dial and strap entices and
intrigues. The Master Ultra Thin Perpetual steel model offers watch lovers
a perpetual calendar in an ultra-thin exterior shrouded in deep colours.
Three counters of identical dimensions display the perpetual calendar
functions: the day of the week at 9 o’clock, the calendar at 3 o’clock, and
the month at 6 o’clock. Above the dial, a discreet moon phase indicator
pursues its progression, displaying the ever‑changing lunar profile in its
wake. With a thickness of only 9.2 mm, the model’s stainless steel case
houses an ultra‑thin movement of great sophistication, representing the
multiple skills of the Grande Maison.

HIDDEN
GEMS
One gemstone company is collaborating with
great jewellery brands while making a
difference across Africa.
WORDS BY DANAE MERCER

n the sleepy northern Mozambique village
of Montepuez, under red-tinted sand and
harsh sun, Gemfields is searching for
buried treasure.And they’ve been successful.
Across a 340sq km concession, the company
has found hundreds of rubies. In 2014, their
inaugural auction generated $33.5 million.
Gemfields’ high-quality 2014 auction generated
$43.4 million, including the sale of a 40.23
carat stone.

against sustainability risk areas like human
rights, training, security and social welfare.

So how are the coloured stones finding their
way into the luxury market? A smart, high-end
acquisition was one route. In 2013, Gemfields
acquired the luxury company, Fabergé.

The brand has also worked with Bulgari and
Bergdorf Goodman. Other design partners
throughout Africa also use their gems. Penny
Winter, a costume designer, creates pieces from
Kenya with vintage African cloth and elaborate
designs (pennywinter.com ). Today she employs
200 people and built a clinic and primary
school through charitable donations in the
Kibwezi area of rural Kenya. Other partners
include Jack Friedman (an engagement-ringfocused jewellery company; jackfriedman.co.za)
and Charles Greig (a fifth-generation jewellers;
charlesgreig.co.za) in South Africa.

I

“We started realising, if we wanted to
champion Mozambique to help it compete with
Burmese [rubies], that’s where we saw an
opportunity for Fabergé to get us in front of
the world market. People asked us ‘why are you
marketing, why are you branding, you’re a B2B
product’ but we’ve been using it as a marketing
platform,” said Dev Shetty, chief operating
officer of Gemfields.
The gem supplier has partnered with luxury
jewellery and watch company Chopard.
Launched at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016,
this partnership is part of Chopard’s ‘Journey
to Sustainable Luxury’ programme, meaning
Gemfields’ Zambian operation was assessed

“Gemfields’ fabled emeralds are a wonderful
addition to our Green Carpet Collection of
High Jewellery,” said Caroline Scheufele,
Artistic Director and Co-President of Chopard.
The ‘Journey to Sustainable Luxury’ has been
challenging at times, she adds. “But the results
are incredible.”

“When we came here in 2012, we had only two
people on the ground, and everyone lived in a
mud hut,” explained Shetty. Today. Montepuez
Ruby Mining (MRM, a company 75 percent
owned by Gemfields and 25 percent owned by
local partner M’wiriti) has more than 1,000
employees. “It’s quite a significant jump.”

Throughout everything — from marketing collateral to
presentations to actual company policies —
sustainability is essential for Gemfields. The brand’s
ethos – “The world’s leading producer of responsibly
sourced coloured gemstones” – reflects this.
Launched in 2005, Gemfields made a name for itself
first as operator and 75 percent owner of the Kagem
emerald mine in Zambia. Believed to be the world’s
single largest producing emerald mine, Kagem gave
Gemfields a chance to demonstrate how the gem
business – an industry so long tainted with ethical
concerns – could do things sustainably.
There were hiccups along the way, the most notable
being Gemfields’ attempt at a mine-to-market
approach. “We knocked off around 275 million dollars
of the balance sheet,” said Shetty. “The shares were at
an all-time low, and the entire business almost closed
down. That’s when Ian [Harebottle] joined us. We
worked quite hard, and from 2009 to 2011, we turned
around the whole emerald business.”
Today, the brand has adopted a slightly different
strategy: one of mine and market. The mine side comes
in with all of Gemfields many on-the-ground assets. It
owns a 50 per cent interest in the Kariba amethyst
mine in Zambia, and controlling interests in Zambia,
Mozambique, Colombia, Ethiopia, Madagascar and 

Ethically mined rubies are proving to be a serious market for Mozambique.

Through everything, sustainability has been a
focus. This spans environmental, societal, human
rights, labour and product responsibilities. The
company has backfilled mined land, replanted
trees and turned digging sites into watering holes,
while societal responsibility includes the creation
of schools, clinics and farming co-operatives. Even
security – which Gemfields is fairly regimented
about on its mines, using onitored cameras, patdowns for every member of staff, and active but
gun-free guards – plays a role by allowing
employees to deny pressures from illegal gangs.
Simultaneously, of the profits generated,
a considerable sum is returned to Mozambique;
MRM pays approximately 20 per cent of the
corporate tax generated in Cabo Delgado.

By owning a growing number of mines in
partnership – as well as through collaborating with
numerous high-end jewellery companies, Gemfields
is achieving its proclaimed strategy of mine and
market.
Simultaneously, the brand has had to work to create
a grading system for coloured gems.
“Before we got involved, if you wanted to buy an
emerald [what the brand mines in Zambia], you’d
go under the bush. The seller would come with a
plastic bag with all these emeralds, and because he’s
being a ‘smart guy’ he’d sneak in one quality stone
amidst all these low- to medium-quality. That’s how
it was,” said Shetty.
“We saw what De Beers was doing with diamonds
in terms of grading, and we created, with coloured
gemstones, a grading system. We sort each
gemstone with cut, colour and clarity into
a segment. With rubies, we’ve already crossed
around 400 grades,” he added.

Gemfields has collaborated with
Chopard (above) with this
diamond watch.

ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016

Ultimately, Gemfields is working to change the
way coloured gemstones are mined and marketed,
all with a focus on long-term sustainability and the
highest of ethics along the supply chain. “We’re
trying to build a platform of transparency as we go
along,” said Shetty. “If you enter any boutique for
coloured gemstones and ask where they come
from, what’s the origin, there’s no story behind it.
We’re trying to build that.” O

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26
JEWELLERY

1.
2.

ALL AT SEA
Celebrate the Monaco Yacht Show
with some marine-inspired jewellery,
perfect for adding glamour to any
ocean-going occasion.

INTRODUCING TEMI
Temi Otedola is Elite Living Africa’s new style columnist. She has a successful
fashion blog and has big ambitions in the art world.
Favourite fashion and beauty brands?

Your fashion blog has an incredible
following. How did it come about?
My life has always been centred on fashion, design
and art so I started my blog to create a platform
where I could express my passions and creativity.
I didn’t know if anyone would read it, so I’m proud
of how much it’s grown and where it’s headed.

Your personal style is unique and fun.
Have you always been interested in fashion?
I’ve always been enthralled by fashion. I love
throwing contrasting pieces together and finding
unique items in unlikely places. I honestly believe
you’re never too old to play dress-up.

How important is it to ensure young
African designers are able to develop their
talents and thrive?
Supporting young designers is crucial in ensuring
the future of African fashion remains bright.
Africa undoubtedly has the talent, so it’s all about
making sure all that aptitude materialises into
something tangible.

I love Alessandra Rich, Zara and Claudie Pierlot
for classic pieces you can mix and match easily.
Some of my Favourite Nigerian designers include
Bridget Awosika and Maki Oh because they design
their collections with a profound aesthetic in mind.
I keep my beauty regime simple, sticking to brands
I have been using forever – Eve Lom and Sodashi
for my skin, Bobbi Brown and YSL for makeup.

What are your favourite destinations?
My most memorable places so far have been the
Maldives, Rio de Janeiro and Cap Ferrat. However,
as an art history student, Rome and Paris are my
all-time favourites.

What are your ambitions for the future?
I hope to continue developing my blog and seeing
the different paths in fashion it could lead me
down. However, my plan is to ultimately work in
art dealing after graduating from university. O

www.jtofashion.com

ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016

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29
STYLE

NEW FROM
NIGERIA
In her first column for Elite Living Africa, Temi
Otedola writes about the emerging Nigerian
designers who are set to take on the world.
lthough I live in London, as a fashion blogger
who is also proudly Nigerian, I get asked bout
the state of the fashion industry back home. If
I am being completely honest, I didn’t really know
anything about Nigerian fashion, let alone designers in
other parts of Africa when I launched my website 18
months ago. Despite living in Lagos for the first eight
years of my life and incessantly travelling back ever
since, I never went to shops in Nigeria or bought
anything whilst visiting.

A

Fortunately for me, the voyage into blogging opened
my eyes to the vast Nigerian fashion industry that was
growing right before me. As I was approached by
African designers and attended events in Lagos, it was
astonishing to find out how much novel creation was
going on. But it’s tricky to simply stumble across these
new brands, you have to take it upon yourself to find
out who is on the rise in Nigerian fashion.
I learnt more last year, when I was an official
ambassador for Lagos Fashion and Design Week. Each
day I was eager to see the creations from established
Nigerian fashion heavyweights - Lanre da Silva, Tiffany
Amber, Maki Oh (pictured on this page) and many
others. As I interviewed the designers and spoke to
other influencers, it was astonishing to see how excited
we all were about what was to come in Nigerian
fashion. That’s not to say Nigerian designers have not
left an international mark already – Michelle Obama is
a huge fan of Maki Oh and even hosted her at the
White House. I would say that my favourite European
brands vary from Rosie Assoulin to Kenzo, but there is
an enigmatic uniqueness found in Nigerian collections
that is hard to obtain elsewhere.
As well as luxury Nigerian fashion, affordable designers
are spilling through the seams in Lagos and other
African capitals including Johannesburg and Nairobi.
The latter boasts exceptional talent such as
2ManySiblings and accessories brand Adčle Dejak.
Unsurprisingly, it is the younger, newer wave of
designers who want their peers and the public to buy
homegrown talent. As a Nigerian who predominantly
owns European and American-based brands, I’m
undeniably a part of the problem. But I’m also excited
to witness and be a part of the new generation of
creatives striving to make a lasting difference. O

ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016

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30
STYLE

A GUIDE
TO CHOOSING
THE RIGHT OUD
Commonly referred to as black gold in the Middle East,
oud has become a highly prized ingredient. Elite Living
Africa speaks exclusively to leading scent experts.

BY HIRIYTI BAIRU

Kilian Hennessy, founder of By Kilian.

or centuries, oud has been used as a personal
fragrance, while to some it has religious
significance. Oud oil is produced by chopping
agarwood (a wood resin) into small pieces, the
finest quality being first grade agarwood – one of the
rarest and most expensive raw materials in the world.
The wood is soaked in water to extract resins. The quality
of the final oud oil is dependent on the agarwood chips
used for distillation. Finally, the oud is cooked at the
right temperature with the best quality oil being observed
in the first one to three days of cooking.

F

Former perfume critic of the New York Times and
leading fragrance expert, Chandler Burr, describes his
earliest experience with oud: “I’d heard of oud for
years, as if it was urban legend, and it wasn’t till I was
in Mumbai’s vast spice market that I tracked it down in
a store along Muhammed Ali Road. I remember the
store owner bringing out a glass container and opening
it and the scent that was almost too much at first,
strong and hugely pungent and deep and dark like
a low note on a bass.”
The scent critic explained that there are several
materials that resemble oud, including birch tar, guiac
wood, isobutylquinolines and pyrazines, however, he
argues, oud is more complex and lighter than these
other two naturals. “The smoke of birch tar, the

animalic aspect of styrax, benzoin’s spice - oud is its
own singular multi-dimensional scent that contains
these and yet diverges from all of them. It is pure
olfactory shadow.”
Master perfumer, Kilian Hennessy, heir to the cognac
fortune and grandson of the founder of the LVMH
group (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy ) had a vision to
create perfume ‘as the ultimate way to express oneself
and all the facets of our unique personalities.’
Kilian worked for a number of perfume houses
including Dior, McQueen and Armani, before
launching his own line in 2007, ‘By Kilian’ - which
includes a selection of oud-based fragrances.
Reminiscing about the first time he encountered the
smell of oud in an exclusive interview with Elite Living
Africa, Kilian said, “When I travelled to the Middle
East to Abu Dhabi and Jeddah back in 2008 I was
immediately shocked, in a good way, by the strength of
the scent in the air. I had the feeling that the country
smelled like oud.”
To ensure the oud used in ‘By Kilian’ collections is of
high quality, Kilian revealed the oud he uses
specifically comes from the Aqualaria Crassna plant in
Asia Plantation Capital, a dedicated agarwood
plantation company based in Thailand. Since 2004, all

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species of the Aquilaria Oud tree have been protected
under the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Speicies of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Kilian in 2015, following eight years since the launch
of his fragrance collection, expanded the range to
include a total of 37 scents. ‘L'Oeuvre Noire’, ‘Arabian
Nights’, ‘Asian Tales’, ‘ln the Garden of Good & Evil’
and ‘Addictive State of Mind’ are the five collections
which are exclusive to Kilian boutiques.
One of his five collections ‘Arabian Nights’ debuted in
2009 with ‘Pure Oud’. ‘Pure Oud’ was really the
olfactive translation of the oud wood, ‘Bakhoor’,
burning in the air. We used the headspace technology
that allows us to recompose almost any scent in the
air,” Kilian told Elite Living Africa.
Taking us through the rest of his Arabian Nights
collection, Kilian noted the different types of oud he
used: ‘amber oud’, ‘rose oud’, ‘incense oud’ and ‘musk
oud’. ‘Amber oud’, he said, contains a strong dose of
vanilla absolute from Tahiti and honey from Laos.
‘Rose oud’ uses rose absolute from France, Turkey and
Bulgaria together with saffron. The ‘incense oud’ scent
uses oud with cardamom and contains rose absolute
from France, as well as incense found in Somalia.
‘Musk oud’ is also available in the collection, which
simply uses a combination of oud and rum.

The International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Life
Sciences, reported that oud oil can cost as much as
£20,000 per kilogram (more than US$30,000)
depending on purity. This does not suprise Kilian: “It
is a very worthwhile investment if you have an
important business like we do with the cultures that
find oud attractive: Africa, India, Middle East, Asia.
“Oud was banished from the perfume houses until
three years ago. It is like giving a new colour to
painters. Perfumers have suddenly a new colour to
play with.”
In such a competitive market, Kilian said he tries to
remain ahead by bringing innovation and creation in
every product he launches. He explained he created
oud scents that are different from his competitors to
keep the “eroticism,” of it, while still mixing it with
natural essential oils “to be unique and convey a real
sense of elegance and luxury”. Kilian added that when
applying a perfume, wearers should see the impact the
fragrance has upon him or her and their surroundings.
“For me, a great perfume is as much a weapon of
seduction as it is a shield of protection.”
Kilian has boutiques across the world: New York, Paris,
Moscow, London, Doha and Lugano. ❖

www.bykilian.com

ABOVE Musk Oud, part of Kilian’s Arabian Nights collection.

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Hit

the deck
The smart casual style conundrum of wearing deck
shoes with style is solved with the help of the
experts at Chatham.
WORDS BY LEWIS YOUNG

ince 1935, the humble boat shoe has become both a practical necessity for
sailing and nautical-themed attire, as well as moving into the lifestyle
fashion world during summer months, becoming a key part of the summer
style attire.

S

As fashion develops over time, boat shoes have kept true to their beginnings
and have rarely changed, offering classic style, fantastic craft and quality service
to your feet and time spent on deck.
With that being said, people often wonder what to wear with boat shoes and as
fashion changes, new styles are invented, and new colour leathers or canvases
are introduced. And even though the family of deck shoes grows more each
year, there are still traditional ways to combine deck shoes with your day-to-day
styles. We’ve put together some of our favourite styles to wear with boat shoes. 

LEFT: The “Josie” lace-up boat shoe looks great with a polo shirt or jumper and is perfect for wearing either on the
water or afterwards when the crew repairs to the bar.

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The classic evening gent
It’s no secret that the boat shoe is more of a casual
lifestyle form of footwear. It’s made to last, and to
be put through the tests of life on board a boat, but
when the evening comes and you’re more relaxed,
this shoe really offers a second aspect, perfect for
evening attire.
When wearing the classic deck shoe, nothing beats
a cotton shirt up top. Now that could be anything
from the nautically inspired gingham, through to
the classic slim fit Oxford and everything in
between. These types of shirts match perfectly with
chino trousers (can you guess what we’re going to
recommend next?) and are light and airy during
hot trips away and summer evenings spent down by
the harbour.
For your bottom half, you guessed it – chinos!
Chino trousers are an absolute classic form of attire
that have withstood the sands of time, becoming
more and more popular of recent. Chino’s are so
versatile, you can find them (and modern deck
shoes) in office wear through to more smart/casual
evening events.

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“The boat shoe is made to
last, and to be put through
the tests of life on board
a boat, but when the evening
comes and you’re more
relaxed, it really offers
a second aspect, perfect for
evening attire”

With this style, we recommend wearing either our
Deck G2 classic deck shoe or the luxurious twotone leather Bermuda G2 deck shoe – both come
with a two-year guarantee for extra measure.

The “Champagne moment” lady
Life spent on deck is grand, especially when you’re
out in ocean, the anchor’s dropped and you can just
relax and take in the picturesque views, the sea
breeze and pop a bottle of bubbly! This moment is
perfect for the three-piece combination of a polo
shirt, jeans and a knitted jumper. A classic and
sophisticated look that keeps you trendy and is
practical all at the same time. Combining these
three together will have you set for your time on
deck and for when you hit the shore – especially if
you’re looking to find a seaside pub when you
dock!
For this look, there’s plenty of styles you can
explore and mix and match with the colour of your
polo and jumper. If you go with more nautical
blues, we recommend either Chatham’s “Julie” boat
shoes in white, blue and pink, or “Josie” boat shoes
in blue and white to match for maximum effect. 
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ď&#x192;&#x2DC;

The laidback lifestyle
For those of us who prefer a more laidback
approach to our day-to-day wear, the last of
our suggestions combines modern style, with
everyday practicality. For the top, we recommend
an unbuttoned check shirt and crew neck t-shirt.
This combo is a very understated look, and when
matched with the right bottoms, the whole look
combines together nicely.
For your legs, a pair of slim jeans rolled up shows
off a bit of ankle and a whole lot of shoe, drawing
attention to your feet and more importantly your
boat shoes. To go with this style, we recommend
for gents, the Compass G2 boat shoe, made with an
array of cool coloured kudu leathers for extra
comfort. For women we recommend the Heather
G2, also in colourful kudu leathers. O

www.chatham.co.uk
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FACING PAGE: Cool, coloured leathers brighten up a day on the high seas.
THIS PAGE: Scenes from the Chatham runway. Photography by Sarah Mason.

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STYLE

ART OF THE SCARF
Designer Sarah Grace tells Elite Living Africa the story of how
she was able to change her own destiny, turning her passion for
art and fashion into a unqiue scarf business.

L

WORDS BY GEORGIA LEWIS

ondon designer Sarah Grace has parlayed her
love of art and fashion into a luxury silk scarf
business, appropriately named Sarah Grace
London. Born and raised in London, she tells us
about her path from the corporate world to high-end
style, with her unique and artistic scarves.

How did you come to start your business?
I worked in luxury events and wedding planning, as
well as finance, which was great experience, giving
me an insight into business, but it was not going to
be my long-term career. I could see there was a
business opportunity in combining fashion and art,
and if I wanted to follow my passion, it was up to
me to learn about the business world, beyond what
I’d already learnt as an employee.

What inspired you to use the marbling technique
on your scarves?
My uncle lives in Japan and this gave me great
exposure to the Asian culture. I found the art in
Japan to be absolutely fascinating. The technique of
marbling intrigued me. In Japan, this technique is
called “suminagashi” or “floating ink”.
How did you master the suminagashi technique?
I studied interior and spatial design at Chelsea
College of Art and design at University
of the Arts London before I went travelling. During
my travels, I’d thought I could combine my passion
for clothes and fine art by designing wearable art.
But I wanted to know how to transfer art onto silk
scarves. I recalled the suminagashi technique from
my time in Japan and, better still, I remembered it
being used on silk. It was then that I knew this was
the technique that I wanted to use. I researched the
process of marbling, and worked out how to modify
it with a modern twist.

Did you undertake any studies?
As well as working with British manufacturers and
learning about fabrics, I took a course at Somerset
House in London. This course helps people
who dream of turning hobbies into businesses.

ABOVE: Sarah Grace is a proud
Londoner with a proud heritage.

ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016

Tell us more about your brand and ambitions.
My brand is a British brand aimed at the luxury
consumers worldwide. I feel privileged to be blessed
with artistic talent and to be able to turn this talent
into a business, so I want to give back to those less
fortunate than myself in my local community. My
company is supporting The Marylebone Project,
which provides essential support to homeless
women. For me, to see women wearing a luxury
Sarah Grace scarf will be a dream come true. Then
I’ll know that my business is a force for the good in
the local community. www.sarahgracelondon.com

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TRENDING TECH

CABASSE LA SPHÈRE
$176,000, www.cabasse.com
La Sphėre is a true masterpiece. It’s fitted with a 55cm
woofer for unlimited power and accuracy in the low
frequencies, a four-way coaxial driver for the purity of
sound, a spherical enclosure with no diffraction for
a deep and stable sound image and a smart sound
processing for absolute linearity of phase in a 60° cone.
The speaker also allows you to choose from the eight
amplifiers driving the speakers and provides custom
in-room tuning by a Cabasse representative.

In search of the
PERFECT SOUND
Vani Venugopal has sought out a collection of
gorgeous speakers boasting stylish and sleek design
while delivering uncompromising audio quality
and extraordinary user experience.

BEOSOUND 35
From $2,290, www.bang-olufsen.com
Its looks are simple yet striking, ctasting a dramatic dark dash across the wall. It has a pentagonal cross
section which is designed keep thetunes sounding superb, regardless of whether the speaker has been hung
high or low on the wall. There is a touch-sensitive panel for controlling volume, playback and inputs. B&O’s
BeoRemote One will also work with the BeoSound 35 and this is sold separately. Multi-room streaming is an
option if you add the BeoMusic app which integrates with the BeoLink multi-room system so you can stream
tunes throughout the entire house.

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TRENDING TECH

MARTEN
COLTRANE 3
$100,000, www.marten.se
The Coltrane 3 features the same
groundbreaking technology first developed
for the Coltrane Supreme 2, all beautifully
packaged in a more lounge-friendly form.
These three-way speakers employ the newly
developed Cell drivers. The Cell tweeter
cone is made of pure diamond. The Cell
mid range unit is made from a new cerami.
Based on the joint venture with Accuton and
their CELL technology, it creates a sound
that is 100 per cent time and phase
coherent. The front is extremely rigid
featuring a new aluminium layer sandwiched
between two wooden layers.

OMA IRONIC
SPEAKER
$95,000,
www.oswaldsmillaudio.com
The OMA Ironic speaker is an open
baffle type, cast from a special kind of
iron, with no enclosure. The hypo
eutectic gray iron (high graphite
content) used in this speaker is
employed in high technology
applications such as photolithography
machines for silicon chip production,
where there can be no movement due
to resonance or vibration. The complex
form of the speaker derives from
quadratic diffusers universally used in
studio and broadcast applications.

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YACHTING

GRANDE DAMES
LÃ¼rssen celebrates the past and the future with a stunning
newcomer, a fine mature lady, and some exciting young talent.
WORDS BY GEORGIA LEWIS

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YACHTING

he Monaco Yacht Show is a magnificent
showcase for yachts both old and new.
Lürssen will be presenting Coral Ocean, the
yacht formerly known as Coral Island at
Monaco this year. In her 22 years, she has moved with
the times and been updated to conform to charter
market standards. Meanwhile, Lürssen’s newcomer, the
Kismet, as seen on the cover of this issue of Elite
Living Africa, meets and exceeds new standards for
luxury superyachts.

T

CORAL OCEAN READY FOR CHARTER
Coral Ocean will demonstrate in Monaco that
a superyacht can remain super even after more than
two decades of loyal service. It is a creation of the late
Jon Bannenberg, a stylist and interior designer, and she
was launched in 1994. The amazing Polynesian interior
is one of the main attractions of the yacht, along with
sleek, timeless exterior lines. Back then, her gym and
spa area were considered sensations, although such
facilities are standard on the superyachts of 2016.
Last winter, Coral Ocean was updated to conform to
rules to make her available for the first time on the
charter market. Boasting a beach house-style interior,
she is now available for Mediterranean cruising. 
BELOW The stylish interior of the Coral Ocean, with its Polynesian inspiration,
has long been a popular feature of the vessel,

Coral Ocean has been refurbished and is ready to be
chartered in the Mediterranean.

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YACHTING



BELOW The Kismet offers a true home away from home on
the high seas, with luxury amenities that take superyachts
to the next level.

KISMET: NEXT-LEVEL LUXURY
Launched at the 2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat
Show, Lürssen’s Kismet superyacht meets and exceeds new
standards for on-water opulence. Built in 2014, the 313foot long yacht is a veritable oceangoing palace. The yacht,
available for charter, has a cruising speed of 14 knots,
a maximum speed of 17 knots, and a range of 6,000
nautical miles.
The motor yacht’s exterior was designed by Espen Oeino
while the interior was created by Reymond Langton
Design. It is sharp, stylish and breathtakingly aggressive on
the outside while the interior blends glamour with modern
luxury seamlessly. There are art deco, art nouveau and
Persian influences, only the finest materials are used
throughout, and the sweeping staircase enhances the sense
of height.
Making it truly a home away from home, the Kismet
features a cinema, formal reception and lounge, swimming
pool, jacuzzi, office, spa, gym, beauty salon, two VIP suites,
full height windows and a gold grand piano. Coco Chanel
was the inspiration for the upper deck private owner’s suite,
a symphony of dramatic design including lace and stone.
Reymond Langton’s brief was to create an interior based
on a “Champagne and caviar” theme, with the blacks and
golds used throughout a nod to the art deco movement.
There is also flexibility in the interior design with the
option for more open plan spaces for entertaining and
more intimate spaces complete with fireplaces. The sky
lounge features beach house-inspired decor for a more
relaxed vibe, and the vast deck aft can be transformed from
a chilled out space to a nightclub.

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YACHTING

YOUNG DESIGNERS:
The future

is in good hands

The six finalists in the Young Designer Award had to
design a chic yacht for fashion designer Donatella
Versace. This is how they handled the brief.

Dave Rowles, M/Y TWO
The brief was to design something low and open
and the exterior of the M/Y Two reflects the
Milano fashion industry: bold, trend-setting and
contemporary. Intricate, flowing lines have been
added to create the appearance of movement and
the interior is bohemian, active and artistic, an
attempt to capture Donatella Versaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
exuberant and colourful lifestyle.

Marlena Ratajska, ZESA
Shapes from nature as well as abstract structures
informed the design of ZESA. Floating
architecture was used to invite everyone on board
to interact with the surrounding environment
with its open superstructure. To meet Donatella
Versaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brief, the space was functionally divided
into areas for invited guests as well as a private
zone for the owner. The outdoor dining area
converts to a cinema or party space, the intimate
lounge features a teppanyaki grill and there is
a gym, sauna, spa, salon and beach club with pool
and bar.

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Ben Hills, Project Bozzetto
Donatella Versace requested a sleek, elegant superyacht for
intimate gatherings and large parties. The long foredeck was
inspired by a fashion show runway and helps the client use the
space for functions, complete with a dressing room and beauty
salon. There is also a large main deck and living space
which the client uses for parties. It has also bene
designed for easy access to the water, ensuring
a beach club vibe.

Lujac Desautel, Le Petit
Terrasse
This design was inspired by the villas
of Portofino by the turquoise waters
of the Mediterranean, complete with
their layered terraces of various sizes.
This gives flexibility with the living
spaces and each terrace on this yacht
has a unique shape. This lends itself
to different purposes, such as an
open air cinema, diving board, fitness
area, dance floor or fashion show.
The form is assymetric and inside,
the focus is on open plan living.

Baoqi Xiao, Cercio
The Cercio concept is inspired by the interlocking feature of knitwear fabric. The zig-zag pattern has become a mainstay of the
Italian fashion industry and an enlarged version of this has influenced the interior and exterior of the Cercio. It is a great yacht
for outdoor entertaining with an outdoor cinema and teppanyaki grill but it also offers privacy in the master cabin on the upper
deck. There is a beach club area at the bottom of the grand staircase which provides direct access for water sports.

Leah Gowoon Park, DP2020
The sweeping lines of dresses on the catwalk
provided the inspiration for this superyacht.
This design features an open outside area
with sun loungers on the fly deck. There is
a beach club and swim platform on the lower
deck. Inside, there is a spacious master suite
with huge dressing room, a five-person
cinema, two guest cabins and a health spa
and salon. The upper and lower spaces are
connected by a spiral staircase.

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MOTORING

DRIVEN BY AMBITION
these cars are peefect for the ultimate back seat ride.
here, the chauffeur does the work.



WORDS BY GEORGIA LEWIS

o be chauffeur-driven is the ultimate in backseat driving. Comfort
is essential as is a smooth ride and, in this era of constant
connectivity, the importance of internet and phone capabilities
cannot be underestimated. If there is the option of somewhere to keep
the champagne chilled and the entertainment options are high-tech, then
all the better.

T

Elite Living Africa takes a stroll through a dream showroom of options
for those who prefer to be driven than to drive, regardless of whether
your chauffeured ride is for business or pleasure.

When size matters: Bentley
Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase
At the Geneva Motor Show this year, Bentley unveiled a
stunning, over-the-top one-off in the form of the Mulsanne
Grand Limousine, built especially for the show in
collaboration with master coachbuilders Mulliner. It featured
facing seats in the back and smart glass partition that can be
changed from clear to opaque. Other features include iPad
charging docks, veneered fold-out tables, bottle coolers,
champagne flutes and bespoke tumblers, as well as an
intercom to chat to the driver.
The Geneva unveiling was a private commission and
Bentley prides itself on tailoring its cars for individual
customers. The Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase
model is not quite as thumpingly gigantic as the Grand
Limousine but the factory at Crewe, tucked away in a pretty
corner of England’s north-west can certainly customise the
Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase to suit the customer’s whims.
This model has a 3,516mm wheelbase which means serious
backseat legroom, complete with airline-style electronic
legrests. Between the two rear seats, there is a console in
wood veneer, metal, glass and leather which houses USB
ports, pen holders, cup holders and a stowage area. There is
also a folding table for working while on the go, electric
curtains at the rear as standard and a large format sunroof.
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Old-school style: Rolls-Royce Phantom
Like the Bentley Mulsanne, the Rolls-Royce Phantom’s extended wheelbase option is the obvious choice for those
who want to be chauffeured in what is effectively a plush living room on wheels. With a “born to be bespoke”
catchphrase, the Phantom offers the privacy of the partition wall, a grander feel with extended door panniers, a
hidden refrigerator to keep the refreshments chilled and the only limit to the interior design is imagination.
While the Earl of Arran may have been less than kind when he said: “My father told me that if you saw a man in
a Rolls-Royce, you could be sure he was not a gentleman unless he was the chauffeur”. But he has a point - a RollsRoyce is the ultimate car in which to be chauffeured, with the unmistakable Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament to
herald its arrival.
The styling of the Phantom doesn’t so much nod at old school design but shamelessly prostrates itself at the altar
of aesthetics from a bygone era.

The Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase and the Rolls-Royce are both examples of old school style blended with plush, modern luxury.

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For the passenger who
fancies a weekend drive:
Jaguar XJ
Jaguar describes its XJ as its “pinnacle saloon
car”. With the long, lean lines, the solid,
aggressive stance at the back, as well as the
option of a long wheelbase model for extra
limousine space, the XJ is popular in the
chauffeur market. Indeed, Crawfords of
London, the luxury car hire company,
purchased 50 Jaguar XJ LWB Autobiography
models for its fleet.
The XJ comes with all the features one
expect from a luxurious chauffeur-driven car
and the Autobiography model is the top-of-therange example. It includes rear business tables,
LED reading lights, two 10.2-inch screens for
entertainment and each back seat moves
individually and comes with a massage function.
But the real appeal of the XJ is that it still
drives like a Jag, which means it’s a whole
world of fun when it’s the chauffeur’s day off
and it’s time to play with a 5.0-litre V8.
Sometimes even the most driven person likes to
sit in the driver’s seat.

It’s still a sports car:
BMW 7-Series
A chauffeur-driven car is one usually associated
with a leisurely ride rather than one laden with
power and performance. But for the chauffeur
customer who still likes a few thrills from the
backseat, it is hard to go past the BMW 7-Series.
In particular, the M760Li xDrive V12, launched
early this year, is one for the passenger who
still wants to have fun, even if life is a little more
serious than it was a few years ago. Just as well
then that this one is spacious and comes with
plenty of luxurious appointments to elevate it from
boy racer status.
The M760Li boasts 600 horses under the hood
and 800Nm of torque, causing it to gallop up to
100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. The xDrive system
means it has permanent all-wheel drive, which
makes the thrills more controlled, which is essential
if one is trying to do business from the Beamer but
there is still a cheeky quad exhaust out the back to
make a racket if required.
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For the executive who simply
means business:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
It’s not flashy or trashy. It’s not the car for the
executive who wants to announce their arrival with all
the bells ringing and the whistles blowing. But, sitting
as it does on 18-inch alloy wheels, it is subtle, stylish
and reliable. With multi-chamber air suspension, and
a lovely, quiet cabin, it is a relaxing car for the driver
as well as offering a quiet work space for the
passenger. Sprinting up to 100km/h in around seven
seconds, it’s no world record holder but no slouch on
the motorway either.
Infotainment is the buzzword for in-car amusement
and connectivity. Mercedes-Benz has developed the
COMAND Online system.
This means mobile phones can be charged and
connected to the exterior aerial with no cables or
wires via a charging pad on the centre console. At the
top of the range, the E-Class comes equipped with the
Burmester 3D surround system with 23 speakers.

ABOVE AND LEFT The Jaguar and BMW (BELOW) both offer
weekend fun as well as business class efficiency, while the
Mercedes-Benz E-Class is an old favourite, but still a class act.

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MOTORING

AUTO UTOPIA
Set among lush green landscapes, the Franschhoek Motor
Musuem is a picturesque paradise for car lovers.
WORDS BY JOHANN VENTER

hen you think of Franschhoek, set in the
heart of one of the longest wine routes
in the world and founded by French
Huguenots in 1688, one tends to imagine a slice of
the south of France. With fine wines, gourmet
cuisine and some of life’s other little pleasures. Like
spa treatments administered in an intimate tranquil
richly scented atmosphere, which allows for a
healing experience of mind, body and soul.

W

Yes, Franschhoek is all of those things, but since 5
May 2007 it’s became so much more with the
opening of the Franschhoek Motor Museum. The
museum is located on the marvellous L’Ormarins
Estate, which is set in the enduring landscape of
the Groot Drakenstein Mountains. Dr. Johann
Rupert took it upon himself to preserve the
Heidelberg Motor Museum’s collection when it
closed down in 2003 and relocated it to the
L'Ormarins Estate. His father Dr. Anton Rupert
had in fact opened the Heidelberg Motor Museum
on the 22 November 1974.

ABOVE The museum is set
among some of South Africa’s
loveliest landscapes.
FACING PAGE The MercedesBenz SL (Alan Watt/Flickr), Ferrari
250 GT (Pascal Parent/Flickr)
andan early Mercedes-Benz S
Series(Alan Watt Flickr)
are all on display.

Significantly the Bertie Bester and Greyvenstein
collections were added to the Franschhoek Motor
Museum, which has over 220 cars in its portfolio
with over 80 cars on display at any one time - with
the portfolio continuously growing. The wondrous
collection of sculptured art in motion, spans more
than a century dating back to 1898 and up to as
recent as 2003. In opening the Franschhoek Motor
Museum, Dr. Rupert became one of the leading
custodians in the preservation of motoring history
in South Africa.
The automobiles are housed in four white halls
styled in a fitting French wine cellar manner, set in
an enclave on the estate. The total floor space is

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2 700 m˛, all of which is regulated at an optimum
temperature ensuring the preservation of its
precious contents. The attention to detail and
execution that is invested in all aspects of the
museum, from the presentation of the vehicles to
the lighting, audio and visual aids, is quite
spectacular. The museum is unrivalled on the
African continent, in terms of the number and
diversity in its collection, and it can hold its own
among international private automotive museums,
such as the Louwman Museum in The Hague, the
Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles and
the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, California.
The museum’s portfolio reads like a celebrity
‘A’ list of automobiles, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin,
Auburn, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Cord and those
are just the first seven, one could probably
complete the alphabet.
Within the collection, the cars from the 1920s and
’30s standout with their art deco styling, which
gave rise to rather vivacious curves. Also part of the
collection is the 1938 BMW 328, BMW’s most
significant model prior to the Second World War.
Only 464 road-going versions were ever made; it
campaigned successfully on race circuits throughout
Europe, winning the coveted Mille Miglia in 1940.
It would take BMW nearly two decades to regain
its racing prowess with the 700. Powered by a twocylinder, air-cooled boxer engine placed at the rear,
that had been developed for the BMW R67
motorcycle. As part of the BMW collection, one is
treated to the elegant 503, which was penned by
legendary designer Albert Goertz. His best BMW
creation has to be the 507, a sleek sexy design that
out shown its biggest rival, the Mercedes 300SL
Roadster, at least in the looks department. Only

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MOTORING

253 were ever made, let’s hope that one is on its
way in the near future to Franschhoek.
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe is a definite
show-stopper. It is a painstaking beauty with its
gullwing doors, and was deemed to be the fastest
car on the planet when launched in 1954. What
about the E-Type then? It is so beguiling, that Enzo
Ferrari termed it the most beautiful car in the
world. And who could overlook Rolls Royce. It is
a staple of the collection and rightfully so, it set a
new benchmark in automotive design, engineering
and craftsmanship when it was launched and that
still holds true about the cars it is producing today.
Not even the more modern cars found in the
museum are commonplace on our roads, take the
Honda NSX. Ayrton Senna helped develop it and
South African-born designer Gordon Murray used
it as a yardstick when he developed the McLaren
F1, which is also in the museum. For the ‘Tifosi’
the F40, F50 and Enzo are definitely present. The
other marque from Stuttgart, is not left out of
this Supercar arena with the Porsche Carrera GT
on display.
If rarity is what you are after, look no further for
the museum has had at least two Mercedes-Benz
540Ks in its collection, with the dark red fourseater Cabriolet still present. These are some of the
most sought-after automotive marvels, whose
ownership histories include royalty, aristocrats, film
stars and business moguls. The museum also has
several thoroughbred race cars in its collection,
among the rarest are the Bugattis, which
were racing pioneers in the early part of the
20th century.
Of the most significant cars of the last century can
be found here, which includes Nelson Mandela’s
BMW 760Li Security Edition, which he used while
campaigning to stop the surge of HIV/Aids
between 2004 and 2009.
The Franschhoek Motor Museum is truly a patron
of the automobile in its various facets, often
participating in classic car racing, hosting special
events, picnics and lunches for car clubs. It is also
a regular participant at the country’s biggest
automotive extravaganza ‘The Top Gear Festival’.
Visitors to the museum can also enjoy a trip around
the estate in a bespoke charabanc. These custombuilt ‘trams’, afford visitors the opportunity to be
ferried through areas that were previously not open
to the public. The charabanc also provides a link
between the museum, Terra del Capo and Anthonij
Rupert wine tasting centres.
The Franschhoek Motor Museum is complete
indulgence of the visceral senses. You don’t however
need to be a motoring enthusiast to appreciate the
preservation of our motoring history. ❖

hether your idea of a water-based escape
involves endless beaches, action sports,
big game fishing, big city attractions, an
exploration of incredible wildlife, or
simply mastering the fine art of relaxation, the exciting
and diverse African coastline could be the scene of
your next dream holiday.

W

THE ART OF PURE RELAXATION
The Lion in the Sun Malindi resort in Kenya offers a
private beach with butler service and cooling tent beds,
ideal for a seaside doze. And if the 300-metre walk to
the sand seems too onerous, there are four salt water
pools at the resort, all filled with seawater.
Naturally, there is a spa on site. At Thalaspa guests can
choose from relaxing massages, treatment involving
seawater, traditional Chinese therapies and advice on
healthy eating. Cuisine at the resort has an Italian focus
and the dishes are elegant in their simplicity.
As well as the opportunities for blissing out in the spa,
on the beach or by the pool, there are 14,000 square
metres of gardens for a stroll among local plants.
All rooms are individually decorated and the spacious
suites offer the ultimate in privacy while still being
a mere stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw away from a pool. The stylish
house at the resort can be exclusively rented for
a maximum of 14 people for $50,000 per week.
www.billionairelife.com

SEA AND SAFARI IN KENYA
Those who like an adventurous holiday might consider
a luxurious Kenyan odyssey that blends secluded
beaches with small-group safaris. Saruni offers multilocation holidays with their four properties, all offering
first-class cuisine. ď&#x192;&#x2DC;
LEFT The Lion in the Sun Malindi resoirt in Kenya offers the perfect blend of
leisurely luxury, fine dining and pampering spa treatments.

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DESTINATION



A safari-and-beach combination allows guests to
enjoy the wild landscapes of Samburu in northern
Kenya, the savannahs of the Masai Mara and the
unspoilt, uncrowded beaches of Msambweni on
Kenya’s south coast. The incredible game viewing
experiences are enhanced by expert guides and the
opportunity to learn about the history and culture
of the people who have lived there for hundreds
of years.
Saruni Mara is the only boutique safari lodge in the
Masai Mara, with just five cottages and two private
villas, or, guests can truly go back to nature at
Saruni Wild, a private tented camp in the heart of
the Masai plains. There are only three luxury tents
at this location so it is a great escape from the
crowds. Saruni Samburu also offers privacy and
peace with six villas.
Saruni Ocean, meanwhile, has six villas and 14
suites. Seafood is the order of the day with dinner
served under the stars. Active holidaymakers can
also enjoy a range of watersports and yoga, or
guests can simply enjoy the facilities of the Sarunity
Wellbeing Space, the soothing spa. Saruni guests
travel by plane between the locations to ensure
more time is spent enjoying the sea and the safari.
www.saruni.com

WHEN A CITY BREAK MEETS THE SEA

“Whether you’re
seeking an active
holiday or you
want to indulge
in the art of pure
relaxation, Africa
offers coastal
escapes to suit all
discerning
travellers”

ABOVE AND TOP RIGHT
Machangulo Beach Lodge.
BOTTOM RIGHT: The 12 Apostles.

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Cape Town is brilliant for blending beaches with
the best attractions a city can offer the visitor. The
12 Apostles Hotel is 10 minutes from the famous
beaches of Camps Bay and boasts views of the
Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain from its
UNESCO Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site
location. Whale-watching from the Leopard Bar
Terrace is distinct possibility for 12 Apostles guests.
As well as offering private transport to Camps Bay,
the hotel also runs helicopter transfers to the V&A
Waterfront, home to some of Cape Town’s most
fashionable restaurants. On site, Azure Restaurant
offers fine dining, the best South African wines are
served across the hotel’s outlets, and the
sumptuously decorated Presidential Suite is the
pick of the room choices.
The biggest challenge of a stay at the 12 Apostles is
which beach to choose. Camps Bay is a long stretch
of beach popular with those who like a game of
beach volleyball or frisbee as well as a spot of
subathing. Llandudno Beach, meanwhile is a whitesanded, crescent-shaped beach at the base of the
steep slopes of the Twelve Apostles and is flanked
by gigantic granite boulders.
www.12apostleshotel.com

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DESTINATION

FOR LOVE AND MARRIAGE
Zanzibar has long been a popular destination
wedding location, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a big celebration or
an intimate elopement. At Zanzibar White Sand,
the resort can make the paperwork easy as well as
organising a dream beach wedding, complete with
celebrant, music, decorations and delicious catering.
A seafood gala dinner while a violinist plays is no
problem for the wedding planners.
There are just 11 luxury villas with private butler
service spread over four hectares of tropical
gardens at the resort. The villas have either one or
two bedrooms which each have two units
connected by a garden and terrace, private pool
and outdoor bath with beach views. ď&#x192;&#x2DC;
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DESTINATION

ď&#x192;&#x2DC;

At the beach itself, it is not uncommon to take
a swim with dolphins, while the more intrepid can
jump onto a paddleboard and explore the pristine
shoreline. Before the nuptials, a visit to the spa is
a must so everyone looks and feels their best for
the seriously romantic ceremony.
www.whitesandvillas.com

GETTING BACK TO NATURE IN
MOZAMBIQUE
Mozambique is emerging as a great holiday
destination as the economy grows and the
Machangulo Beach Lodge is a wonderful example
of the beach escapes now on offer in the east
African country.
Machangulo Beach Lodge is located alongside the
channel between Inhaca Island and the dunes of
the Santa Maria Peninsula in Maputo Bay. It can be
accessed by road but the more spectacular option is
the hour-long boat ride from Maputo Marina.
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another brilliant resort for those who like
a beach break without crowds. There are just 15
luxury chalets at Machangulo Beach Lodge, all with
private decks. The premium ocean view chalets are
perched on a ridge to offer amazing views of the
ocean and Inhaca Island. There are two family
villas which come with a private pool. Or for those
who really want to get down to the sand, the eight
beach chalets are located in the dune forests metres
away from the shore.
Scuba diving, snorkelling in the Inhaca Marine
reserve or on the reef in front of the lodge, fishing,
bird-watching, whale watching (from June to
November) and seasonal visits to turtle nesting sites
are all part of the back-to-nature experiences that
are possible at Machangulo.
www.machangulobeachlodge.com

OLD STYLE TRADITION IN GAMBIA
The Ngala Lodge in Fajara, Gambia has just
celebrated its 21st anniversary. It started life as
a colonial mansion and has been restored to its
former glory and reincarnated as a boutique hotel
with 24 luxury suites. It overlooks the Atlantic
Ocean from its clifftop position and offers guests
access to a sandy cove. There is an infinity pool and
those staying in the Macondo pool suites benefit
from a private pool.
The Atlantic suites have a jacuzzi and the
penthouse is perfect for a gathering with its own
private rooftop terrace.
As well as taking a dip in the cove or one of the
pools, the lodge offers fishing trips in the ocean,
creeks, bolongs or from the shore. Or nature lovers
can enjoy a sunset bird-watching cruise to the
idyllic and appropriately named Bird Island.
www.ngalalodge.com
THIS PAGE Cape Town offers surf and city with the 12 Apostles Hotel.

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LUXURY ESCAPES

Monaco mayhem
www.twigamontecarlo.com
The Monaco Yacht Show is a great time
to experience the best of Monte Carlo’s
nightlife. Twiga Monte Carlo offers an
exclusive nightclub, a chilled-out shisha
lounge and the Twiga Sumosan restaurant,
which offers the very best in contemporary
Italian and Japanese cuisine, before
morphing into a club at 1am every
night. On 26 September, just before the
Monaco Yacht Show kicks off for 2016,
French-German DJ Jean-Claude Ades
will be playing.

Chania reaction

www.domesnoruz.com
Chania, on the glorious Greek island of
Crete, is now home to an adults-only
beachfront hotel. Part of the Marriott
International’s chic Autograph Collection
Hotels group, the Domes Noruz Chania
boutique property offers rooms with
private plunge pools, direct access to the
beach and a touch of culture with coffee
table books by Taschen in the rooms. The
decor is modern yet inspired by the
traditional architecture of the island. For
those seeking Greek culture, the old town
is a 10-minute drive away.

Villa Serengeti
www.fourseasons.com
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
now offers villa accommodation to
enhance the experience of getting back
to nature. Guests who book the
Presidential Villa will have a private chef
on hand to prepare meals at any time.
This villa also comes equipped with
a private gym and overlooks its own
animal watering hole. There is a butler
service for all villa guests as well as
complimentary spa treatments.

Join the Bath club
www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
The Gainsborough Bath Spa, in the historic
English city of Bath, is offering a 12-month
club membership to guests who stay in one
of the hotel’s grand suites. Members are
entitled to a complimentary Bath House
experience at the Spa Village with access to
natural thermal pools. Decorated to reflect
the city’s iconic Roman baths, the Spa Village
also comes with its own accommodation
featuring elegant bedrooms.

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LUXURY ESCAPES

For NYC
shopaholics

www.thepierreny.com
The Pierre in New York City is not
just a landmark building but a great
spot for serious shoppers. It located
right on Central Park with the shops
of Fifth Avenue moments away. As
well as world-class service, the
hotel’s opulent Rotunda Room has
been restored, complete the with
sumptuous murals and sweeping
staircase that has made it famous
among discerning travellers.
(Photography: John
Wisniewski/Flickr)

Eco Muse
www.muse-hotels.com
For peace and quiet within arms’ reach
of St Tropez, the Muse Hotel is
a luxurious sanctuary. Located on top
of a bluff and surrounded by three
acres of verdant garden, there are just
14 suites so personalised service is
guaranteed. The top-of-the-range suites
come with a private plunge pool,
terrace and garden. Local flora features
in the gardens, designed by landscape
artist Sophia Agata Ambroise.

Highland fling
www.cameronhighlandsresort.com
The Cameron Highlands in Malaysia offer gorgeous
green surrounds for nature lovers who don’t want
to skimp on luxury. Special packages for
guests include the option of deluxe spa treatments,
mystery trail walks with the resort’s resident
naturalist, and a traditional English high tea.
The spa specialises in treatments using local
ingredients and there are multiple dining options,
including an Asian hotpot restaurant and the option
of private dining experiences.

Fun on Fafa
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www.fafaislandresort.com
For privacy and a truly Tongan
experience, Fafa Island is hard to
beat. There are just 13 traditional
Tongan fales on the island, built
from all natural materials. The
Honeymoon, Deluxe and Superior
fales each have a private beach and
all fales have their
own secluded courtyard and
semi-open-air shower in the
garden. The restaurant is al fresco
and there is a tropical cocktail bar
for tempting tipples.

OF THE
WORLD
It is easier than ever to do business around the world, but citizenship through
investment can make the processes even smoother.
BY PHILL TROMANS

The process for the United Kingdom, the United
States and Canada can take longer but residency,
particularly for individuals starting businesses, can
be a relatively straightforward path to citizenship.
“Citizenship-by-investment is the acquisition of
usually a second or third nationality through
a substantial financial investment into a country,
literally acquiring the nationality of that country,”
explains Mark Pihlens, managing partner at Henley
and Partners, a firm that advises applicants. In
return you’re granted privileges that come with
either residency or citizenship in that country. Such
benefits can prove very attractive for both business
and personal reasons.

he modern world is getting smaller.
Modern communications and transport
technology allow us to do business in
countries around the world.
But it’s simpler for some than others.

T

How easy it is to visit or live in other countries
varies dramatically depending on your country of
citizenship. British citizens can travel visa-free to
175 of the world’s 218 countries. If you’re from
Nigeria, that number drops to just 45.
For the busy businessman or woman, the hassle of
mobility can affect profits and ease of doing
business, especially when extensive international
travel is essential.

Micha-Rose Emmett is group managing director for
another advisory firm, CS Global. “The concept
was developed as a way of attracting talent and
funding into countries while at the same time
providing opportunity to individuals,” she explains.

But for a financial investment or donation, of
between $100,000 to several million, it’s possible
to acquire citizenship of another country, and reap
the associated benefits. It’s a concept that’s proving
increasingly popular, especially since the financial
crisis of 2009/09.
The countries that currently offer fast-track
citizenship to those that can afford it include
multiple Caribbean nations, as well as Malta and
Cyprus in the European Union.

“In the same way as you’d take out a life insurance
policy, you’d do the same by taking another
citizenship as it opens up new business
opportunities and new lifestyles.”
Strict requirements are in place for
investing in the UK with the aim of
gaining citizenship.

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Increased mobility is a major draw. “It could be that
you want the right to live, work, study or do

Nevis was the first to promote the concept in 1984,
and Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia and
Grenada have followed.

business in that country and acquiring a second
nationality can provide that,” Pihlens says.
“For example, acquiring citizenship of a European
Union country gives you the rights to all 28
countries in that group. It’s a very powerful tool for
high net worth individuals and their families.”
“If you’re a citizen of, say, South Africa, every time
you travel to Europe or the UK, you have to get
a visa,” says Emmett. “If you’re a busy businessman,
you want to be able to travel easily and quickly
without having to apply for a visa each time.”
Having additional citizenship also provides safety
and security options – particularly for those from
turbulent nations.
“You know you’ve got a place to go to that is safe
and stable,” says Emmett.

“These are countries that had an economy based on
some form of agriculture that is no longer viable,
and they’re trying to diversify,” Pihlens says.

“Citizenship
through
investment opens
up a world of new
opportunities in
the country that
you’re going to”

“There’s also financial security - diversification of
your financial risks between nations, the means to
diversify assets. Different jurisdictions may provide
you with a stronger legal system. It opens up
a world of new investment opportunities in the
country that you’re going to.”
Government-run citizenship-by-investment
programmes started in the Caribbean. St Kitts and

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“They use these programmes as a form of foreign
direct investment.”
Obtaining citizenship in these countries generally
requires applicants to follow one of two routes –
a one-off, non-refundable donation to a government
fund, or a larger investment in, for example, a share
scheme, business venture or real estate.
Obtaining citizenship in these countries generally
requires applicants to follow one of two routes –
a one-off, non-refundable donation to a government
fund, or a larger investment in, for example, a share
scheme, business venture or real estate.
In Europe, Malta and Cyprus offer programmes
that are considerably more expensive, but offer the
lure of EU citizenship. “That gives them the right
to live, work and study throughout the European
Union, which is a very powerful tool for high net
worth investors,” Pihlens says. 

Monaco, offer residency programmes in return for
investment, but won’t lead to citizenship.
Turnaround time can be as short as a few months.
But by their nature, citizenship-by-investment
programmes are open to abuse by less-than-savoury
characters, and consequently the vetting procedures
are stringent.
“You don’t want the wrong people because it can
then give them access to other countries and cause
all sort of problems,” says Pihlens.
“Due diligence is a key phrase in our industry. We
as a business would have our own due diligence
before we move forward, and governments again
would have a multi-layered process using their own
databases and third party agencies doing
background verification reports. It’s a very in-depth
process and the clients will have to prove how
they’ve made their money.”
Both Pihlens and Emmett have seen demand in
Africa boom over this time, and they see the trend
continuing. Although applicants need to be aware
of the financial commitments, and meet the
stringent criteria, citizenship-by-investment
programmes are proving attractive propositions to
high net worth individuals, and they work well for
host governments.
“There’s definitely a big growth in the African
market, particular in places like South Africa,
Ghana, Egypt and Tunisia,” says Emmett. “As
African businessmen become more outward in their
exploration, I see that continuing.” O

Which country’s offering is best depends on an
applicant’s requirements, not least their budget and
whether they want the benefits that a particular
citizenship would bring, or intend to migrate.
“A lot of businessmen operate from their country
of origin, and what they want is the opportunities,
the accessibility,” Emmett says.
“They would then look at options that give them
that without having to live there. It depends what
they’re looking to achieve.”
If immediate citizenship is not a must-have, more
countries offer residency-through-investment
schemes that operate in a similar manner.
Successful applicants are granted a residency visa,
which could lead to citizenship down the line. Such
countries include the US, Canada, the UK and
Australia, and most European countries.
Some residency visas, such as in Portugal, allow
visa-free travel through the Schengen area of
mainland Europe. Other countries, such as

“Due diligence is
a key phrase. It’s
a veryin-depth
process and the
clients will have to
prove how they’ve
made their
money”

ABOVE AND RIGHT Malta, St Kitts
and Nevis and Canada are all
popular for investment.

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INTERVIEW

OPPORTUNITY
AND QUALITY
Vava Furniture is embarking on an innovative
new community programme alongside an
ongoing commitment to quality.
BY JESS COUTTS

WHAT EXPANSION PLANS DOES VAVA
FURNITURE HAVE?
We are about to kick off community based
furniture shopping. This is something we are really
proud of, to bring our stylish and affordable home
decor to a new community every other month, and
at the same time, we are excited to create new
career opportunities to jobseekers in those thriving
areas. This moves furniture-buying from an event,
where it's only when you move into a new house
or new office space, to a daily or more consistent
lifestyle routine, where you just feel like changing
a vase this week or foyer chairs next week.

WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD TO BE PART
OF VAVA FURNITURE?
I have pride in who I work for, I have pride in
what I do and I have pride in those around me.
Pride in who I work for refers to that good feeling
you get when you tell someone where you work.
Pride in what I do is the good feeling you get in
my job, and especially how I do it. It makes a
difference. Pride in those around me is the feeling
that the people I work with are also the best.
WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR ITEM
THAT YOU SELL?
The most popular item that we sell is quality! The
truth is that we cannot tell you specifically
that we sell more chairs than tables or vice
versa, because it always varies monthly or
seasonally, depending on the kind of contracts
we embark on, or the kind of retail clients
we serve for that month. But one item that
is constant, regardless of what merchandise
that is being sold, is quality. O
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DIVINE RETURNS
Investing in wine can be a low-risk strategy
with the right knowledge. Elite Living Africa
asks the experts how it’s done.
WORDS BY ANNIE MAKOFF-CLARK

ine wine is synonymous with the good life.
Yet investing in fine wine as a luxury asset
can add an additional, sweeter layer to the
overall experience.

F

Comedian Dan Aykroyd’s love of wine led to him
producing his own in Canada and California, whilst
American singer-songwriter Dave Matthews has his
own vineyard. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber
uncorked $4.6m from his wine collection at a 2011
Hong Kong auction and footballer David Beckham
bought a Napa Valley vineyard as a birthday
present for his wife Victoria in 2014. Sir Alex
Ferguson too, is known for his wine appreciation.
“Christies did a series of sales for Sir Alex Ferguson
in 2014/2015,” says David Elswood, international
head of wine at Christies. “He loves wine and got
his buying strategies bang on target.”
Experts agree that fine wine is a relatively safe
investment for those in the know. According to
Tom Gearing, managing director of wine
investment specialists, Cult Wines, fine wine has
a low correlation with the financial markets: the
2008 global recession left the fine wine market
relatively unscathed. Even today, with increased
market volatility, demand continues unabated.
“It’s quite a low risk asset class with relatively low
volatility,” he adds. “It allows individuals to
diversify away from traditional assets whilst
enhancing their portfolio.”
Of particular significance, however, is, what Gary
Boom, managing director of BI Wines & Spirits,
describes as a “basic tension” between expanding
international demand and diminishing supply,
which, he says, is “more acute today” than at any
point in recent decades.
“The emergence of huge markets in Asia, the
expansion of wealth among individuals of high net
worth and the growing cultural importance of wine
are some key factors driving increased
consumption,” he adds.
Simon Staples, sales director at Berry Bros & Rudd
agrees. “Demand and interest in fine wine is
growing around the world,” he says. “Once bottled,
it improves with age. A limited amount is produced
every year and as bottles are consumed, the supply
becomes smaller. As supply diminishes, demand 
LEFT The distinctive barrels at the Château Margaux vineyard, famed for
first growth clarets. (Photography by Edsel Little/Flickr)

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CONNOISSEUR
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generally rises as the wine matures. It’s another
reason why wine makes such a good investment.”
Justin Gibbs, director and co-founder of Liv-ex, the
global marketplace for professional buyers and
sellers of fine wine, describes the supply and
demand equation as a “non-cyclical phenomenon”.
As long as the demand remains constant, he says, it
can have an “upward effect” on price.
According to Boom, there are numerous other
factors why wine investment is such an attractive
proposition: tax efficiency, low fee base (investors
pay a small annual fee for wine storage), flexibility
(wine investments can be expanded or liquidated
quickly), and the fact that wine improves with age.
And it’s a tangible asset: a luxury product that
many aspire to own, consume and enjoy. As Staples
puts it: “fine wine is more useful than gold and
easier to enjoy than art.”
So which types of wines are the crčme de la crčme?
And is there a general consensus among experts? It
would certainly appear so, with wines from the
French regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy
recommended time and time again. According to
Gearing, the Bordeaux region in particular is
responsible for around 60-70 per cent of the fine
wine market. Yet Bonhams say it is Burgundy
which has increased in popularity, driven by its
relative scarcity in comparison to its great French
rival, as well as growing demand from Asia.

First Growths. Chose the best vintages such as
2005, 2009 and 2010.”
“Be aware of the potential risks,” advises Gearing.
“Wine investment is an unregulated market so
investors and collectors must do due diligence.”
Staples advises always buying from reputable
merchants: “Many unscrupulous merchants or wine
investment houses will have few qualms about
selling the wrong wines or the right wines at the
wrong prices.”

“The quantities of Burgundy produced each year
are around one tenth of the size of Bordeaux,” says
a Bonhams spokesperson. “Château Lafite
Rothschild might produce 20,000 to 25,000 cases
a year whereas Domaine de la Romanée Conti, the
most celebrated vineyard in Burgundy, produces
around 500.”
Even so, Bonhams has noticed a rising demand for
Bordeaux during 2016: 400 cases of highly
regarded first growth clarets, including Château
Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour and Château
Margaux sold out entirely earlier this year.
Astrid Young, wine critic and sommelier at Baacco,
the marketplace for UK wine merchants, makes
unequivocal recommendations: Grand Crus
Bordeaux and Burgundy will “always hold their
value”, whilst wine from producers such as Le Pin,
Lafleur and Petrus, tend to “fetch top dollar”. In
Italy, there are a handful of wines which deliver
good return on investment, such as Recioto
Amarone and Alzero Cabernet Veneto IGT. But it’s
the Napa Valley which Young insists “takes the cake
for investment wines”, including “cult wines” such
as Harlan Estates or Screaming Eagle. Interestingly,
Young points out that very few whites make good
investments, other than top sweet wines or some
Rhone whites such as Chateau Grillet.
“Stick to the blue chips” Gibbs advises. “These are
the classified growths of Bordeaux, led by the five

“Fine wine is
more useful than
gold and easier to
enjoy than art, it
is a tangible
asset, a luxury
product many
aspire to own and
enjoy”

Storing wines ‘in bond’ is essential, says Boom,
whereby wines are kept in a secure warehouse with
a paper trail, guaranteeing provenance and giving
confidence to buyers. Buying en primeur – when
the wine is first released – is also recommended,
especially as it’s the cheapest time to buy, although
Young warns there are no guarantees: “You can’t
predict the weather, climate change, war, or other
mitigating factors,” she explains, “And sometimes
purchasing en primeur won’t get you any wine at
all if there isn’t enough to go around. But if it pays
off, it pays off in a big way.”
Young also suggests building a rapport with the
wine merchant: “It’s all about relationships – you
may have to support lesser brands in order to get
the bottles you really want. Cherry picking is a
big no-no!”

ABOVE A bottle of the1971
Château Latour.(Photography by
Sophie/Flickr)

ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016

Finally, Young suggests maintaining a database of
peak maturity dates to know when to sell or start
drinking. “All wine turns to vinegar eventually,
I have valued many a collection after the untimely
demise of the owner, only to find scores of wine
which are long past their prime. So pull a cork now
and then and share it with the people you love.”❖

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CONNOISSEUR

THE BLOOMSBURY CLUB
BAR RECREATES 1930S
SPEAKEASY
Elite Living Africa recently experienced the
delights of the bar at The Bloomsbury, London and
now we know what all the fuss is about.
BY HIRIYTI BAIRU

drinks. Speaking exclusively to Elite Living Africa,
Cajella said, “When I am creating a unique
beverage I work closely with cooking trends and
see how they translate into a delicious cocktail.”

he Bloomsbury Hotel, tucked away in
London’s West End, houses the Bloomsbury
Club bar, a true hidden gem. As soon as you
step into this hotel, you are transported back in
time, to an era of 1930s opulence.

T

Cajella went on to explain why the Bloomsbury’s
cocktails and spirits are so unique. Referring to one
of the cocktails on the menu, he said, “Bloomsbury
barrel-aged cocktail uses wood sourced directly
from the distillers to ensure we are working with
quality which lives up to the spirit. We always talk
to our fresh-fruit supplier negotiating the very best
produce for our shrubs, syrups and liquors.”

A sweet smell wafts down the hall, until you find
The Dalloway Terrace, a stunning area where
guests can enjoy alfresco dining. But that is not
where the real magic takes place. A stairway leads
visitors to a grotto where they can sip on a glass of
wine or enjoy a refreshing cocktail. The walls
surrounding the outdoor bar feature climbing
greenery, while the exposed brickwork and fairy
lights on the ceiling add charm.

He noted, “There are always guests requesting
something unique or a non-listed classic which
they must have.” ‘The Bloomsbury Boulevardier’
is my favourite on the menu. We always know
where we want it to go, but the barrel takes it
on its own journey.”

The indoor bar area also has a decadent retro feel,
with plush leather armchairs, atmospheric lighting
and tall bookshelves. The bar takes influence from
the lives of the hedonistic Bloomsbury Set. I was
offered the bar menu which features original
cocktails named after the group. The ‘Virginia
Woolf’ is a fruity concoction of No. 3 gin, fresh
lemon juice, homemade raspberry shrub, Cochi
Americano and egg white. As the waitress talked
me through the menu she recommended the Gin
and Milk, a popular concoction in the 19th
Century. I was a bit skeptical but upon having a sip
I realised the milk and gin combination worked
perfectly with the nutmeg adding a perfect touch –
it was made just like a delicious dessert.
Bar manager Brian Cajella, looks at new cooking
techniques when experimenting with different

For true connoisseurs, a wide selection of premium
spirits are also available, such as Jameson 15yo,VS
and Hennessy XO 1960, as well as more than 60
different whiskies from across the world.
The bar also offers a cigar menu on request with
drink pairings, provided by the world-famous
importers, Hunters and Frankau. For those who
have not yet been, the Bloomsbury Club Bar is
definitely worth a visit. It has done well to set itself
apart from other speakeasies in London.
ABOVE The grotto at the
Bloomsbury Club Bar in London

llegra!” The heartfelt greeting in Romansch is
your warm welcome upon reaching the heights
of the Engadin Valley, and its jet-set jewel on
the lake, S. Moritz. More than a simple hello, “allegra” is
a friendly invitation to unwind, to take in the breathtaking
natural beauty, understated luxury and wealth of activities
on offer at the “top of the world”, as S. Moritz is
affectionately known. Made popular as a winter destination
in the nineteenth century by local hotelier Johannes
Badrutt and the British upper classes, St Moritz became
synonymous with the jet-set lifestyle as international
celebrities, supermodels, tycoons and art collectors
brought glamour and media attention to the
Alpine resort. St Moritz was, however, originally
a summer wellness destination, renowned for
its clean air, blue skies and the mineral
properties of its waters.

“A

Today, summers in St Moritz continue to
attract the discreet globetrotter, with healthy
lifestyle activities and a rich schedule of
cultural and sporting events.
The St Moritz Art Masters marks the
highlight of this summer programme.
Now in its ninth year, the arts and
culture festival was founded by Monty
Shadow together with Reiner Opoku
and Philipp Noller. A fusion of fine
art and luxury branding, the Art
Masters seeks to encourage
broad, cross-cultural exchanges,
with St Moritz as the meeting
point for high-profile artists,
collectors and opinion
leaders in
a cosmopolitan and
convivial
atmosphere.

Every year the Art
Masters selects
a different geographical
focus, and this year the focus
is the USA. A schedule of
events and exhibitions across
various locations and galleries in St
Moritz are set to showcase some of
the best in American art.
Paintings and sculptures by Robert
Rauschenberg and Frank Stella are on
display at the central Protestant Church.
A unique space, the church dates from
1787 and has previously hosted exhibitions
of Ai Wei Wei, Lucio Fontana and
Piero Manzoni.
A series of works after Picasso by American
contemporary artist Robert Longo hang in the
majestic Forum Paracelsus. Named after the Swiss
physician and naturopath, Paracelsus, the forum
was built in 1866 and used in conjunction with the
local bath spas. Following a renovation three years

ago, the history and tradition of the building’s rejuvenating spa culture
has been preserved, making for a special context in which to present
contemporary art.
Photography also features prominently in the Art Masters. A separate
gallery within the Forum Paracelsus hosts an exhibition by Richard
Avendon. The focus is on his muse, Anne Theophane (“Theo”) Graham,
a glamorous American who took up modelling before it had become
a truly viable profession for attractive young women.
Meanwhile, in the lobby at the Kempinski Hotel, Albert Watson’s largescale portraits of Naomi Campbell are exhibited alongside his
photographs of Mick Jagger and Alfred Hitchcock. On this occasion of
the Art Masters, the famed photographer will receive the Cartier Award Legend of Photography.
On the St Moritz gallery scene, Andrea Caratsch is showing work by
New York-based artist duo McDermott and McGough; Gmurzynska
Gallery are currently exhibiting American masters, including Robert
Indiana, Tom Wesselman, Louise Nevelson and Sylvester Stallone.
At Vito Schnabel Gallery, American Art in the 80s showcases work by
Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Julian Schnabel and Jean Michel Basquiat.

MONTBLANC ART COLLECTION
Montblanc has long maintained a presence at the St Moritz Art
Masters, and during this year’s festival the luxury brand, part of
the Richemont Group, are exhibiting works from its Cutting Edge
corporate art collection.
Ten years in the making, the collection focuses on contemporary,
and in particular emerging, international artists. The first artwork
in the collection was created by US artist Tom Sachs. Wanting to
reinterpret the corporate logo, Sachs initiated the trend that would
connect artists all over the world that are included in the
collection: each artwork contains the Montblanc star emblem.
Today there are over 200 pieces in the collection, created by 170
different artists including Ugo Rondinone, Sylvie Fleury, Gary
Hume, David LaChapelle and Lucy Liu (the American actress of
Charlie’s Angels and Kill Bill fame is also an accomplished mixed
media artist).
“Many of the artists in our collection today were unknown when
we first commissioned work,” advises Violante Avogadro di
Vigliano, Montblanc’s International PR Director. “Tom Sachs was
not known the way he is today, Sylvie Fleury was an emerging
artist. That is the ‘cutting edge’ spirit of the collection.”
In keeping with its commitment to representing international art,
and with the new appointment of Till Fellrath and Sam Bardaouil
as chairmen of the Montblanc Cultural Foundation, Montblanc
is currently looking to the African art market. New artists in the
collection are supported with exhibitions at their 500+ boutiques
worldwide, while the main collection is on permanent display
at their Hamburg headquarters, and at the leather goods
and watchmaking hubs in Florence, and Le Locle and Villeret
in Switzerland. O
THIS PAGE Wooden panel by Tom
Sachs, 2002. Montblanc Cutting
Edge Collection.

Live
THE GREEN
Spain’s Costa del Sol is gaining a well-earned
reputation as a luxury golf destination and
residential address for players of all abilities.
WORDS BY JESS COUTTS

F

or those who live and breathe golf, residing by three golf
courses in a part of the world renowned for wonderful
weather and superb food – or at the very least, owning
a holiday home in such a location – is a dream come true.
On Spain’s picturesque Costa del Sol, a rugged and romantic
blend of sea and hills, the latest development to offer luxury
homes in striking distance of the famous La Cala Club
courses is a collection of elegant new townhouses and
penthouses in the Horizon Golf community.
ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016

ABOVE La Cala offers golfing enthusiasts and sun-lovers
the opportunity toi live in luxury by the gorgeous greens,
either permanently or as a holiday residence.

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Developed by Taylor Wimpey Espaňa, the homes are within
La Cala Club’s Campo Asia golf course. This makes for an
ideal location for both living and golfing with the course
nestled in the foothils of the Mijas Mountains between
Marbella and Malaga.
Campo Asia and Campo America were two of the first courses
created by American architect, Cabell B. Robinson after he
formed his own company after leaving the Robert Trent Jones
design group. Campo Asia opened in the late 1980s.
In 2005, Robinson returned to La Cala to design the
Campo Europa course.
The Campo Asia course features plenty of challenging holes
and is aimed at the golfer who enjoys a testing round before
heading to the clubhouse. The par 72 course is 5,925 metres
and was formerly known as the South Course. It is the oldest
of the three courses at La Cala Club and it particularly appeals
to golfers who put a premium on the approach shot.
This is the course most respected by professional golfers. It is
narrow and short and there are four par 5 holes which
demand skill and a sharp, tactical mind. Even experienced
golfers will most likely lose balls on the Campo Asia and on
the 4th and 5th, tee shots are a particular challenge.

There are three signature holes on the course. The 10th hole
features classic design, the fifth hole forces players to aim
their drive very carefully and the 18th requires full
concentration to round off the game.
Experts advise golfers not to over-club off the tee on this final
hole, a gruelling par 5, to minimise the risk of a late disaster
on the scorecard. The 12th is also a teaser, featuring
a pear-shaped putting surface with a swale running through
the middle.
While many an online review warns that Campo Asia is not
a course for the faint-hearted amateur, the other two La Cala
courses are kinder to the average golfer.
Campo Europa is longer than Campo Asia at 6,014 metres but
it is a slightly less demanding par 71 course. It is a dramatic
course with spectacular scenery, generous fairways, flatter
terrain than Campo Asia, and it boasts the largest greens of La
Cala’s three courses.
While it is certainly an easier course than Campo Asia, Campo
Europa still presents obstacles to keep golfers on their toes.
There are water hazards guarding the 3rd and 14th greens,
with the 14th being the maximum limit of what is allowed for

ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016



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

par 3 with a length of 233 metres. The 11th hole, a
par 5, is the longest hole on the Campo Europa
course at 524 metres.
Other features of Campo Europa include bridges –
there is one main bridge and four smaller bridges
which traverse the River Ojén, which can be
enjoyed in all its beauty from eight holes. If you
truly believe that golf is a good walk spoiled,
Campo Europa also comes equipped with four
tunnels for golf carts.
The Campo America course, meanwhile, offers
breathtaking views towards the Sierra de Ojén and
the Mediterranean Sea. It is a 6,009 metre, par 72
course with five par 5 holes.
It used to be known as the South Course and it is
perhaps the gentlest of the three La Cala courses.
Driving is made easier thanks to wide, linked
fairways and there are relatively few bunkers.
But Campo America doesn’t let the complacent
golfer get away completely untroubled. There is
some hilly topography with brush-covered slopes
and small raised greens which demand canny club
selection to ensure the mark is hit. Additionally,
there are water hazards on the 9th and 16th holes.
The La Cala Golf Academy is also part of the
development with lessons on offer for beginners as
well as more experienced players who want to
perfect their game. The academy has views of the
Mediterranean Sea and is kitted out with a grass
driving range, as well as putting, chipping and
bunker facilities.
For those who decide to take the plunge and buy
property at the La Cala Club, the Horizon Golf
community offers a range of facilities apart from
the golf courses and the academy.
There is also a hydrotherapy centre, a spa,
swimming pool and pretty landscaped gardens. The
development also benefits from 24-hour security
and the famous beaches of the Costa del Sol are
just 10 minutes drive away. Access from abroad is
easy with Malaga’s international airport located just
30 minutes from the properties. Residents also
have access to the three restaurants and two bars, as
well as the clubhouse. O

www.lacala.com
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THIS PAGE The course-side villas offer expansive views,
modern interiors and access to the great facilities of the
La Cala development.

ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016

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PROPERTY


ELITE ABODES
Vani Venugopal brings you a stunning selection of
luxury homes from the cities of London, Dubai
and Johannesburg.

very home has a story to tell. Here we bring you
homes that relate a saga of opulence. Homes
where every minute detail has been tastefully
chosen and every element intuitively blend,
creating a space that is truly timeless.

E

This time, we present you with luxury properties from top
destinations of the world – London, Dubai and
Johannesburg. From London we bring you two stately
homes that reflect the pulse of the historic city. From the
metropolitan hub of Dubai, there is a range of homes of
different styles including a beach villa in Palm Jumeria and
an apartment in the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa.
Reflecting the vibrant heart of the city, these homes offer
the finest luxury living in Dubai. From the beautiful city of
Johannesburg is an elegant family home overlooking an
expansive golf course.
ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016

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PROPERTY
www.knightfrank.com

www.knightfrank.com

HAMPSTEAD LANE,
HIGHGATE, LONDON
$30m
This charming eight-bedroom residence on Hampstead Lane extends to approximately
13,670 sq ft. The sense of grand proportions reveals the luxury of scale within the home
with bespoke finishes. This remarkable residence has an entrance hall that inspires as
much as it astonishes. Architectural confidence matches the towering space from floor to
the ceiling. Nothing in this property has been left to chance, including the sweeping
staircase which is crowned by a bejewelled chandelier, to the imposing double height
atrium. From cool marble flourishes throughout, to the private cinema and
thermostatically controlled wine room for your collection of vintage labels. There's space
to breathe, space to grow, with the largesse of Hampstead Heath reflected in generous
proportions within this special home.

VICARAGE GATE,
KENSINGTON, LONDON
$26m
This stately Victorian house as been meticulously extended and
refurbished to an exacting standard to provide gracious living
accommodation. The house has a formal dining room and
kitchen/breakfast room on the raised ground floor with a
magnificent drawing room to the floor above. On the second floor
is a gracious master bedroom suite with an extensive dressing area
while to the two upper floors there are four further bedroom suites.
On the lower ground floor there is a media room which also opens
out onto the paved rear garden. It also has a study with fitted book
cases and an additional bedroom suite. The whole of the floor
below is arranged as a leisure complex with a large swimming pool,
dance studio, dressing room, sauna and shower room facilities.

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PROPERTY

www.knightfrank.com

www.knightfrank.com

LE REVE, DUBAI
$20.4m
Le Reve is one of the most exclusive high rise apartment developments in Dubai.
Home to several notable celebrities, this iconic building is easily recognisable as the best
residential building in Dubai. Completed in 2006 with architectural design by WS Atkins
& Partners, Le Reve enjoys an unsurpassable location on “millionaire’s row” in
Dubai marina with uninterrupted sea views towards the Palm Jumeirah. This stunning
apartment covers an entire floor of the building and offers unbeatable 360-degree views.
Superb detailing and high quality finishes have been applied throughout including
smart home systems and lighting are featured, as well as private parking,
24-hour concierge and security.

BURJ KHALIFA,
DUBAI
$19m
This fantastic penthouse apartment is located
in the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa,
which comprises over 163 stories measuring
830m. The apartment benefits from a plethora
of stylish upgrades and interior design carried
out by world famous ‘Bishop Design’. Covering
approximately 8,000 sq ft, this four bedroom
apartment hosts a private terrace and benefits
from floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows with
views over the Dubai fountains and Downtown
Dubai. The world’s largest mall, the Dubai
Mall is merely a few steps away offering
a plentiful mixture of exclusive fashion shops,
lively cafes, fine dining and an array of
attractions and activities.

$12.25m
Home to some of Dubai’s finest property, this superb example of an
upgraded Signature villa sits shoulder to shoulder with some of the Palm
Jumierah’s best properties and offers a tranquil lifestyle away from the
hustle and bustle of the city. Having been meticulously designed and
modernised throughout, the owners have paid close attention to deliver
a truly impressive home. Neighbouring the sandy shores and clear blue
water of the Gulf, this high numbered ‘Gallery View’ villa offers
sprawling accommodation over a built-up area of 7,000 sq ft. Passing
through the patio doors you enter the well-manicured gardens which
include an extended patio area, access to the private beach, infinity
swimming pool and sun terrace perfect for unwinding and entertaining.
-

6 bedrooms
8.5 bathrooms

www.knightfrank.com
ELITE LIVING AFRICA / ISSUE 4 2016

-

Wood-burning fireplace
8,147 sq ft

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PROPERTY

www.ahprop.co.za/

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PROPERTY

78 ECKSTEIN
STREET,
OBSERVATORY,
JOHANNESBURG
$1.1m
Situated on 23,885 sq ft of pristine and
manicured land, this four level, ultra
modern house, designed by renowned
architect firm CimatoMoroldo, is truly
something special for the discerning buyer.
This house offers four en-suite bedrooms
with expansive views over the golf course
and beyond. It is furnished with an
expansive lounge, dining room and modern
kitchen equipped with braai area, scullery
and laundry. A sparkling pool and a well
equipped gym with a view are other
features of this elegant residence.